Amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, a wave of confusion threatens to overshadow the stars themselves at the 96th Academy Awards this weekend. In a bold move aimed at boosting viewership, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has defied tradition by shifting the ceremony’s start time to 7pm ET, a change that coincides with the day when clocks spring forward in the United States.
This unconventional scheduling decision comes as a double-edged sword. For viewers east of the West Coast, it’s a boon, as the coveted Best Picture award – the jewel in the Oscars‘ crown – will be presented significantly earlier than usual. However, the Academy’s lack of clear communication surrounding the time change, coupled with the added complexity of daylight saving time, has left many scratching their heads.
Nonetheless, the show must go on, and cinephiles worldwide are gearing up for an epic battle between the critically acclaimed films “Oppenheimer,” “American Fiction,” “The Holdovers,” and “The Zone of Interest,” vying for the prestigious Best Picture honor.
As the anticipation builds, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the 96th Academy Awards:
Table of Contents
When are the Oscars?
The 2024 Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
What time does the Oscars start?
Defying convention, the 2024 Oscars ceremony will commence one hour earlier than usual, at 7pm ET / 4pm PT / 11pm GMT – a prime time slot for Australian film enthusiasts, as it translates to 10am AEDT on Monday morning.
Why is the Oscars time earlier this year?
The Academy’s decision to move the start time is a strategic attempt to boost viewership figures. Past ceremonies have often exceeded three hours, resulting in the highly anticipated Best Picture award being announced well into the night, long after many viewers have retired for the evening. By shifting the ceremony earlier, the Academy hopes to capture a larger audience for the marquee event.
When is the Oscars pre-show?
The 2024 Oscars pre-show will commence half an hour before the main event, at 6.30pm ET / 3.30pm PT / 10.30pm GMT, or 9.30am AEDT on Monday for Australian viewers.
When is the Oscars Red Carpet?
The Oscars Red Carpet extravaganza will coincide with the pre-show. Hosts Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough will helm the 30-minute segment, which kicks off at 6.30pm ET / 3.30pm PT / 10.30pm GMT, or 9.30am AEDT on Monday morning for viewers Down Under.
What time does the Oscars finish?
The 96th Academy Awards are scheduled to conclude at 10.30pm ET / 7.30pm PT on Sunday night, which translates to 2.30am GMT in the early hours of Monday morning for viewers in the United Kingdom, and 1.30pm AEDT on Monday afternoon for Australian audiences.
